Neros is a U.S.-based defense technology company specializing in the vertically integrated design, manufacturing, and large-scale production of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military applications. Founded to address the critical need for onshoring drone manufacturing, Neros aims to provide the U.S. and its allies with high-performance, cost-effective drones and ground control systems that rival and surpass foreign alternatives, particularly those from China. The company is headquartered in El Segundo, California, and is committed to securing the autonomous supply chain by building all key technologies in-house. Neros’ products are rigorously tested in real-world combat environments, including Ukraine, to ensure reliability and battlefield effectiveness. The company’s mission is to deliver unmanned superiority at scale, enabling the rapid deployment of advanced drone systems for modern warfare.
Leadership
Soren Monroe-Anderson, Co-Founder & CEO
Former professional drone racer and 2020 MultiGP World Champion.
Founded FPV Supply Co in high school, manufacturing drone racing products.
Experience in venture investing and deep expertise in high-performance drone design and operations.
Olaf Hichwa, Co-Founder
Former professional FPV drone pilot, ranked third globally in the MultiGP league.
Designed and sold drone circuit boards to top pilots worldwide.
Background in drone component business and product design.
The founding team is supported by advisors and executives with backgrounds in defense, aerospace, and technology, including Col. Earl G. Matthews and former SpaceX manager Sean Wood.
Core Technologies
BlueUAS FPV Drone (Archer): High-performance, first-person view (FPV) drone designed for exceptional range, flight performance, and heavy payload capacity. BlueUAS certification enables streamlined procurement by U.S. defense agencies.
FPV Loitering Munition: Modular drone platform capable of delivering various warheads with extreme precision at range.
Tactical Ground Control Station (Crossbow): Enables electronic warfare resistance and long-range, secure command and control for drone operations.
Custom Radios: In-house developed command, control, and video link radios provide industry-leading jamming resistance and long-range communications.
Integrated Flight Computer & Sensors: Custom hardware and software architecture for pilot-centric control, robust autonomy, and future expandability.
Software-Defined Hardware: Enables rapid iteration and deployment of new features while ensuring systems operate independently of constant updates.
Vertically Integrated Manufacturing: All key components, including propulsion and electronics, are designed and built in-house for supply chain security and scalability.
Key Capabilities
Battlefield-Proven Performance: Products tested and deployed in active conflict zones, notably Ukraine, for real-world validation.
Rapid, Scalable Production: Facilities and processes designed for high-volume output—thousands of drones per month—far exceeding traditional defense manufacturing rates.
Cost-Effectiveness: Complete systems priced in the low four figures, making them competitive with Chinese alternatives while maintaining a secure, non-Chinese supply chain.
Jamming Resistance: Advanced communications architecture to counter modern electronic warfare threats.
Practical Autonomy: Ongoing development of autonomous features and future drone swarm capabilities.
Flexible Payload Integration: Collaboration with partners like Kraken Kinetics for purpose-built lethal payloads.
BlueUAS Certification: Pre-qualified for U.S. military procurement, streamlining acquisition and deployment.
Investors
Total Funding: $45.9 million as of March 2025.
Seed Round: $10.9 million (May 2024), led by Sequoia Capital.
Series A: $35 million (March 2025), led by Vy Capital with participation from Sequoia Capital, Interlagos Capital, D3, and angel investor Keller Rinaudo Cliffton (CEO, Zipline).
Other Investors: Peter Thiel, A*, Long Journey Ventures, BoxGroup, Thiel Capital, Cantos, D3 Venture Capital.
Valuation: Not publicly disclosed.
Company Type: Private.
Notable Clients
International Drone Capability Coalition: Contracted for 6,000 drone units for deployment in Ukraine.
U.S. Military: In discussions and early deployments with the U.S. Department of Defense, including Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and special forces. Archer drones have been tested for anti-armor, fortification neutralization, and mine clearing applications.
Ukrainian Armed Forces: Early and ongoing operational deployments on the Ukrainian battlefield.
